A test is usually a smaller evaluation of a limited set of material, often done during a course. An exam is usually a bigger, more formal evaluation that covers more material, often at the end of a unit, term, or course. In everyday English, both mean an assessment, but "exam" often sounds more official and high-stakes.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
test	a smaller assessment of specific topics, often frequent	We have a vocabulary test on Friday.
exam	a formal assessment that often covers a lot of material	The final exam is worth 40 percent.
assessment	any method of evaluating learning, including tests, projects, and presentations	The course uses continuous assessment.

English uses specific labels for exams depending on when they happen and what they count for. The most common contrasts are midterm vs final and in-class vs take-home. These words often appear in schedules, syllabi, and announcements.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
midterm	an exam in the middle of a course or term	Our midterm is next week.
final	an exam at the end of a course or term	I am studying for my finals.
in-class exam	an exam taken during class time under supervision	The in-class exam is 60 minutes.
take-home exam	an exam completed outside class, usually with a deadline	The take-home exam is due Monday.
practical exam	an exam that tests skills by doing tasks, not only writing	There is a practical exam in the lab.

Test format words describe how questions are presented and how you respond. These terms help you understand instructions quickly, especially in schools, training programs, and language tests. Many tests mix several formats in one paper.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
multiple-choice	you choose one option from several answers	The test is mostly multiple-choice.
short answer	you write a brief response, often one sentence	Write short answers for questions 1 to 5.
matching	you pair items from two columns	Do the matching exercise in section B.
essay question	you write a longer, organized response	One essay question is worth 20 points.
true or false	you decide if a statement is correct or incorrect	Mark each statement true or false.

Scoring vocabulary explains results and how performance is measured. Some schools use points and percentages, while others use letter grades or pass-fail. Understanding these words helps you interpret feedback and requirements.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
score	the number of points you get	I scored 18 out of 20.
percentage	score shown out of 100	I got 85 percent.
grade	a letter or number that represents performance	I received an A minus.
pass	meet the minimum requirement	You need 60 percent to pass.
fail	not meet the minimum requirement	He failed the exam by two points.

Some exams affect admissions, certification, or major decisions, so English often uses special terms for them. These tests may be standardized, meaning everyone takes the same test under the same conditions. The vocabulary below is common in universities and professional training.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
standardized test	a test given in the same format to many people	She is preparing for a standardized test.
entrance exam	an exam required to enter a school or program	The entrance exam is in June.
certification exam	an exam to qualify for a job or professional status	He passed the certification exam.
qualifying exam	an exam you must pass to continue to the next stage	The qualifying exam happens in the second year.

Test announcements often include scheduling and timing vocabulary. These words help you understand when and where the exam happens and what deadlines apply. They are used in emails, syllabi, and exam instructions.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
test date	the day the test happens	The test date has been moved.
duration	how long the test lasts	The duration is 90 minutes.
time limit	the maximum time allowed	There is a strict time limit.
venue	the place where the exam is held	The venue is Room 204.
deadline	the latest time you can submit	The deadline is midnight.

Exam papers use repeated instruction verbs that tell you exactly what to do. Learning these verbs makes exams faster and reduces confusion. They are often followed by a number, a topic, or a word like "all" or "one".

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
answer	give a response to a question	Answer questions 1 to 10.
fill in	complete missing words or information	Fill in the blanks.
circle	draw a circle around the correct option	Circle the best answer.
tick	mark a box with a check	Tick one box only.
explain	give reasons and details, not only the result	Explain your choice.

English has many common collocations for getting ready for tests and exams. These phrases describe studying, planning, and practicing. They often appear with "for" plus the exam name.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
revise	study again to refresh knowledge, often before an exam	I need to revise for the final.
review	look over material to prepare	Let’s review the key terms.
study guide	a document that lists topics and practice questions	The teacher posted a study guide.
practice test	a sample test used for preparation	I did a practice test online.
cram	study intensively in a short time before a test	I crammed all night.

There is specific vocabulary for what happens while you are taking an exam. These words describe the conditions, the people supervising, and rules about materials. They are common in formal exam settings.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
invigilator	a person who supervises an exam	Ask the invigilator if you need help.
ID check	showing identification before or during the exam	There will be an ID check at the door.
instructions	official directions for completing the exam	Read the instructions carefully.
cheating	breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage	Cheating can lead to a zero.
open-book exam	an exam where you can use notes or materials	It is an open-book exam, so bring your notes.

After a test, English uses a set of words for results, feedback, and next steps. These terms appear in emails and learning platforms. They also help you talk about performance and improvement.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
results	the official outcome or scores	The results will be released tomorrow.
feedback	comments on what you did well and what to improve	The feedback was very helpful.
remark	review of marking to check for errors	I requested a remark.
retake	take the test again	I will retake the exam next month.
improvement	progress to a better score or skill level	I saw real improvement this term.